This is a blog on human ambulation—that is, walking. I explore this most ordinary but extremely revealing activity in relation to the physical landscape, aesthetics and art, politics, pedestrian practices, the wilderness, urban design, the body, environmental issues, and philosophical thought. I've published a few articles on the subject, and I'm currently writing a book on walking, so it seemed like a natural progression to blog about it as well.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Urban Echo-systems

Shhh . . . listen up. And listen down. Sidewalks are rich with
the sequesteredand often surprising sounds of the city. A droning rattle rises
from the subway beneath the streets; horns or jackhammers emerge like
percussive drums; the click and clack of heels generates a rhythmic pulse;
crosswalk signals summon us to slow down, stop or pick up the pace; pigeons
flutter and take flight like the soft trill and roll of cymbals; a passing car
radio seizes the tempo and briefly hijacks our attention. You are moving in a
polyphonic and hybridic space, one teeming with the music—and, yes, jarring
noise—of growling machines, agitated or inspired voices, and intrepid
interlopers from the organic world. A conductor-less orchestra in search of a
tune. A strange echo-system indeed.